Apparatus for welding metal parts



NOV. 17, 1942. P Z 2,302,251

APPARATUS FOR WELDING METAL PARTS FIG.I.

INVENTOR.

.HENRY THOMAS PLATZ Nov. 17, 1942. 'p -rz I APPARATUS FOR WELDING METAL PARTS Filed Jan. 4, 1941 7 SheetsSheet 2 I INVENTOR.

' HENRY THOMAS PLATZ BY A MBM W I ATTf) EVQ Nam 17 194-2., H L/2x22 APPARATUS FOR WELDING METAL PARTS '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed. Jan.

INVENTOR.

., a BY n x" 1 I ANWWML NMN .M. LN .k 1 m z L I mammal r W 9 H. T. PLATZ APPARATUS FOR WELDING METAL PARTS 4, 1941 7 Sheets-Sheet Filed Jan.

Nov. 17, 1942. PLATZ 7 APPARATUS FOR WELDING METAL PARTS Filed Jan. 4, 1941 7 Sheefls-Sheet 5 FIG. I 0.

1 HENRY THOMAS BY I INVENTOR. r

Nov. 17, 21942.. PLATZ 2,302,251

APPARATUS FOR WELDING METAL PARTS Nov. 17, 1942.

H. T. PLATZ APPARATUS FOR WELDING METAL PARTS Filed Jan 4, 1941 "r Sheets-Sheet 7 FIG.I2.

IDWENTOR HEN RV T flGMA$ FLA $2 4 I ATTORNE Sk Patented Nov. 17, 1942 APPARATUS FOR-WELDING METAL PARTS Henry Thomas Plats, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Briggs Manufacturing Company, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application January 4, 1941, Serial No. 373,177

14 Claims. (01. 219-4) 2 This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for welding metal structures to 'form an integral assembly.-

Although it will be apparent as this-description proceeds that the present invention em bodies numerous features which may be advantageously employed in practically every instance where a large number of welds are desired in a short space of time, nevertheless, the invention finds particular utility when used for the purpose of welding the metal covering or skin of paircraft wings to the reinforcing ribs. It has been customaryin the past to secure the metal covering panels of aircraft wings to the reinforcing ribs by a multitude of closely spaced rivets. This tedious and costly practice is largely responsible for the high cost and low production rate of aircraft equipped with metal wing structures.

It is one of the principal objects of this invention to appreciably reduce the cost of and the time required to manufacture metal covered wing structures by providing a method'and apparatus capable of producing a large number of vide means for eiiecting relative movement of the electrodes into engagement with the work to be welded during the intervals of rest otthe carriage and to provide means responsive to relative movement of the electrodes away from the work to initiate operation of the carriage indexing mechanism.

Still another object of this invention is to provide indexing mechanism for the carriage rendering it possible to move the carriage by a step by step movement in one direction to form one a series of welds and adiustble to move the carriage by a step by step movement in the opposite direction to form a second series oi welds with the.

welds in the second series positioned intermediate the welds in the first series.

A further feature of this invention provide means for locking the carriage againstmovement during :the welding cycle with a latch automatically releasable from the carriage inresponse to relative movement of the welding electrodes away from the work andlin timed relation to the indexing mechanism.

In addition to the foeg'oing the present inven tion contemplates a relatively simple, inexpensi ve method of welding metal parts together. In general, this method consists in: (1) Assembling the parts to be welded by: relatively positioning these parts in their specified locations; (2) tacking the parts together by preliminary welds predeterminedly spaced to hold the parts in proper assembled relationship; (3) forming a series of closely spaced welds along the work in a substantially straight line by relatively moving a welder and the work by a step by step movement; (4) relatively shifting the work and welder transversely to the direction of relative movement aforesaid and repeating the step referred to in item (3) to form a second row of closely spaced welds; and (5) repeating the above operations with the indexing mechanism adjusted to weld the work at points intermediate the welds aforesaid. i

The present invention further contemplates relatively simple apparatus for carrying out the .above steps of the method and having means for rendering the welder inoperative each time the electrodes of the welder register with one of the preliminary welds.

The foregoing as well as other objects will be made more apparent as this description proceeds, especially when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a welding apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view partly in section of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the construction shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on H of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a detail elevational view of the means for positioning the carriage when the preliminary welds are made;

the line Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line H'of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 2;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 0-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevational view of the welder showing a part 01 the work carriage control mechanism;

Figure 10 is a side elevational view partly in section of another part of the work carriage controlmechanism;

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the control circuit for the apparatus; and

Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the welder employed with the apparatus.

As stated above, the method and apparatus forming the subject matter of this invention finds particular utility for use in the manufacture of metal wings for aircraft. These wings usually taper in width toward the tips thereof and comprise an outer skin formed of relatively light gauge metal sheets reinforced by ribs extendin longitudinally of the wings. In Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, of the drawings, I have shown the lower section I of an aircraft wing skin having metal reinforcing ribs l6 extending longitudinally thereof. As shown particularly in Figure 4, the ribs 16 are of inverted channel-shaped cross section and each rib is formed with attaching flanges l1 extending laterally outwardly from the free edges of the side walls of the channels. The flanges I! are adapted to have a flat engagement with the top surface of the skin section [5 and are secured to the latter by spot welding at a plurality of closely spaced points along the length of the flanges. In order to reduce the weightof the aircraft to a minimum, the wing skin and associated reinforcing ribs are usually formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In the past, considerable difllculty has been encountered in welding metals having the characteristics of aluminum or aluminum alloy and for this reason it has been customary to secure the ribs to the skin by a multitude of closely spaced rivets. The problems presented in satisfactorily welding metals having the characteristics of aluminum or aluminum alloy are solved by the welder shown and described in my-copending application Serial No. 363,936, flied, November 1, 1940, since matured into Patent No. 2,286,104. dated June 9, 1942, and this invention contemplates combinin a welder of the above general type with a work handling fixture in such a manner that metal aircraft wings may be inexpensively produced at a much faster rate regardless of whether the parts thereof are formed of aluminum, aluminum alloy or some other metal.

With the above in mind, reference will now be made to the work handling fixtures shown in Figure 1 of the drawings as comprising a table I6 of suitable length and a carriage 19 supported on the table for movement longitudinally of the latter. Upon reference to Figure 4, it will be noted that the table I! is provided with an outer pair of tracks 20 and with a pair of inner tracks 2|. The two pairs of tracks are suitably supported on the table in a common horizontal plane and extend in parallel relationship longitudinally of the table.

The carriage I9 is supported on the tracks by means of rollers suspended from the carriage at spaced points throughout the length thereof. In detail the inner pair of tracks 2| are engaged by rollers 22 and the outer pair of tracks are engaged by rollers 23. The rollers 23 are provided with radially outwardly extending flanges 24 at opposite ends for respectively engaging the opposite sides of the tracks 20 to prevent lateral shifting movement of the carriage during its travel relative to the table l6.

Removably supported on opposite ends of the carriage I9 is a pair of cradles 25 and 26. Both cradles are supported at the same elevation in vertically spaced relationship to the carriage by means of supports 21 bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the opposite ends of the carriage. As

shown in Figure 4, each support 21 is formed of two sections and these sections are secured to the carriage with the inner ends thereof spaced from each other so as not to interfere with the center slot or passageway 28 extending for substantially the full length of the carriage I! along the longitudinal center line of the latter.

noted that the top surfaces of the cradles are preferably lined with a nonmetallic insulating material 28' and the opposite ends of the skin section l5 rest upon the lining 26'. The ends of the reinforcing ribs 16 adjacent the cradle 2! are properly spaced from each other by means of a locating strip 29 suitably secured to the cradle 26. The opposite ends of the ribs II are properly spaced from each other by suitable clamps 56 carried by the cradle 25. It may also be pointed out at this time that the skin section I5 is clamped to the cradles by means of two pairs of toggle clamps 3|. carried by the cradle 25 for clamping opposite sides of the skin section to the cradle, and the other pair of toggle clamps is carried by the cradle 26 for clamping the opposite sides of the skin section i5 to the latter cradle. It follows from the above that the skin section I! of the aircraft wing is effectively clamped to the twp cradles and the reinforcing ribs l 6 are located in their specified positions with respect to the skin section 'l5.' The intermediate portions of the skin section 15 are supported at spaced points from the carriage I! by supports 32 substantially the same in construction as the supports 21 secured to the carriage I 9.

Although the cradles 25 and 26 merely rest upon the top edges of the supports 21, nevertheless, provision is made herein for connecting the cradles to the carriage l5. In detail a pair of inverted U-shaped brackets 33 and I4 are secured to opposite ends of the carriage I! on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line of the carriage and the base portion of each bracket is formed with an opening 35 therethrough having its center located in a common vertical plane with the longitudinal center line of the carriage. Upon reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that a portion of the cradle 25 extends over the base of the U-shaped bracket 33 and is formed with a plurality of openings 31 therethrough. The openings 21 are spaced from each other in the direction of length of the cradle '25 and are adapted to successively register with the opening 35 through the base of the bracket 53 upon indexing the cradle 25 transversely of the carriage IS. The diameter of the openings 31 in the cradle 25 approximates the diameter of the opening 35 in the base of the bracket 53 so as to permit the cradle 25 to be connected to the carriage is by inserting a pin 38 through the opening I! and the registering opening 31 in the cradle.

The cradle 26 is connected to the carriage I! in substantially the same manner as the cradle 25. As shown in Figure 2, a portion of the cradle 28 extends over the base of the bracket 34 and is formed with a plurality of openings 2! spaced from each other in the direction of length of the cradle 26 and successively registerable with the opening 35 in the bracket 24 as the cradle 28 is indexed transversely of the carriage. The openings 39 correspond in number to the number of openings 31 in the cradle 25 and are also One pair of toggle clamps is adapted to receive a pin 48. The pin 48 is adapted to extend into the opening 38 in the base of the bracket 34 and cooperates with the pin 38 to secure the work to the carriage.

Upon reference to Figure 3, it will be noted that the openings 31 in the'cradle 28 are arranged in pairs with the openings in each pair positioned directly opposite the adjacent ends of the attaching flanges l'l on one of the reinforcing ribs l8. In other words, an opening 31 is formed in the cradle 28 in alignment with each attaching flange l1 on the ribs i8. The same arrangement is carried out in connection with the carriage 28, although the spacing between the pairs of openings 39 in the cradle 28 is less than the spacing between the pairs of openings 31 in the cradle 25 by an amount predetermined toand the attaching flanges on the ribs may be successively moved to the above position by mere- 1y indexing the cradles transversely of the carriage' l9. Thus, by supporting the cooperating electrodes of a stationary welder on the longitudinal center line of the carriage, each of the attaching flanges welded to the skin section I5 by indexing the carriage is relative to the welder in opposite directions. It will, of course, be understood that after the carriage has been moved by a step by step movement to the end of its travel in one direction, the cradles are indexed transversely of the carriage to align another attaching flange with the longitudinal center line of the carriage before the latter is indexed in the opposite di rectlon.

The carriage i9 is indexed relative to the table II by means of a fluid motor 4| having a cylinder 42 and having a double acting piston 43 reciprocably mounted in the cylinder. The piston 43 is omratively connected to the lower end of a rock arm 44 by means of a connecting rod 45. The rock arm 44 is pivotally supported intermediate the ends on a stud 48 carried by the 'table l8 and the upper end of the rock arm 44 is fashioned to'form a support for a rock shaft 41 having its axis parallel to the axis of rocking movement of the arm about the stud 48.

Secured to the inner end of the rock shaft 41 is an indexing pawl 48 having opposed teeth 48 and 88. The teeth on the pawl selectively engage a rack bar 8i extending for substantially the full length of the carriage and having the opposite ends suspended from the carriage by means of brackets 82. The upper edge of the rack bar 8i is fashioned to provide a plurality of teeth 83 of a dimension predetermined to engage either of the teeth 48 and 88 on the pawl 48. The teeth 83 are spaced from each other longitudinally of the rack bar II a distance corresponding to the spacing of the welds desired. a

In the present instance, however, the spacing between adjacent teeth 53 on the rack bar is equal to twice the distance between the adjacent welds of the finished product. In other words, the arrangement is suchthat when the carriage i8 is moved by the indexing mechanism to the ll on the ribs 18 may be end of its travel in one direction, the resulting welds are spaced from each other twice the speci-' fled distance. As a consequence, it is necessary to eventually weld between the adjacent welds secured by the above indexing movement of the carriage in order to procure the specified spacing of the welds. As will be more fully hereinafter set forth, this procedure is preferred in cases where it is necessary to group the welds in relatively close proximity to each other, since it permits the metal to cool to some extent between adiacent welds and, as a result, more effective welds are obtained. In accordance with the present invention, the rack bar 8! is connected to the brackets 82 in such a manner as to permit the rack bar to be shifted longitudinally relative to the carriage the distance required to weld the work at points intermediate the adjacent welds obtained by the original setting of the bar. As shown in Figures 2, 4 and 7, the opposite ends of the rack bar are formed with openings adapted to receive suitable studs 85 carried in.elongated slots '84 formed in the brackets 52. The outer ends of the studs are provided with heads 88 adapted to abut the adjacent side of the rack bar and the inner ends of the studs are threaded for receiving a suitable knob 51. The construction is such as to permit the opposite ends of the rack bar to be clamped to the brackets 52 in either of the two positions referred to above.

It has previously been stated that the teeth 53 on the rack bar are dimensioned to selectively receive the teeth 49 and 50 on the pawl 48. The arrangement is such that when the pawl 48 is swung to the position thereof shown in Figure 2 and the piston 43 is moved in the direction of the arrow A, the carriage is indexed by the pawl in the direction of the arrow B, and movement of the piston 43 in the direction indicated by the arrow C permits the tooth on the pawl to engage the next adjacent tooth on the rack bar. When'the carriage is indexed to the end of its path of travel in the direction of the arrow B, the pawl is swung to a position wherein the tooth 49 successively engages the teeth 53 on the rack bar, with the result that the carriage is indexed to the opposite end of its path of travel by the fluid motor 4 i s The pawl 48 is yieldably retained in' either of its two operative positions with respect to the rack bar 5i by means of a spring 59 having the lower end anchored on the rock arm 44 at substantially the center line of the arm and having the upper end connected to a disc 88 adjacent the periphery of the latter. The disc is secured to the outer end of the rock shaft 41 so as to move as a unit with the pawl 48. As shown in Figure 2, the upper end of the spring 59 is connected to the disc 88 in such relationship to the pawl that it; effectively holds the pawl in either of its two adjusted positions with respect to the rack bar. If desired, the disc 88 may be provided with a recess 8i in the periphery thereof for receiving a suitable .tool to permit conveniently rocking the pawl 48 from oneposition to the other.

Provision is also made herein for positively locking the carriage in each of its various positions of adjustment relative to the table. Upon reference to Figures 2 and 8, it will be noted that the locking means comprises a wedge-shaped dog 82 secured to the upper end of a vertical slide 83 and adapted to snugly engage the teeth 83 of the rack bar. The slide 83 is supported on the table l8 for sliding movement vertically relative to the table and the lower end 84 of the slide forms the core of an electromagnet 85. The arrangement is such that the dog 82 is urged by gravity into locking engagement with the rack bar 5| and is released from the rack by energizing the coil 88 01' the electromagnet 85. As will be more fully hereinafter set forth, the coil 88 of the electromagnet is energized to release the dog from the rack 5| prior to operation of the indexing mechanism and the electromagnet is deenergized as soon as the indexing of the carriage is initiated so that the dog falls back into engagement with the rack bar and drops into the next adjacent tooth space when indexing oi. the carriage is completed.

Supported to one side ofthe table l8 intermediate the ends of the latter is a welder ll having an arm 1| extending beneath the carriage l8 and supporting a fixed electrode 72 in such a position that the axis of the electrode is in a common plane with the longitudinal center line of the carriage. As shown in Figure 4, the electrode 72 extends through the slot or passageway 28 in the carriage and the upper end of the electrode engages the underside of the skin section l5.

Cooperating with the flxed electrode 12 is a movable electrode 13 carried by a vertically reciprocal head 14 which, in turn, is slidably mounted on an arm 15 extending from the welder over the top of the carriage 8. The arrangement is such that the top electrode I3 is supported in axial alignment with the bottom electrode 12 for movement toward and away from the latter.

During the intervals of rest of the carriage l8, the electrode I3 is moved toward the cooperating electrode 12 to clamp the work to be welded therebetween and is moved away from the electrode 'l2 upon completion of the welding cycle to release the work prior to operation of the indexing mechanism to advance the carriage for the next weld. Upon reference to Figure 11, it will be noted that the electrodes are connected in a circuit 18 including the secondary coil ll of the welding transformer I8 and this circuit is controlled by a switch 18.- As will be presently set forth, the switch 18 is closed after the electrode I3 is moved into engagement with the work and is automatically opened at the end of the sp ecifled welding period.

As stated above, the carriage I8 is indexed upon movement of the electrode I8 away from the work by thehead 14 and the indexing of the carriage isaccjomplished by the fluid motor 4| previously discussed. As shown in Figure 11, a fluid pressuresupply line 88 communicates with onposite ends of the cylinder 42 through the medium of a four-way valve 8| and a pair of threeway reversing valves 82 and 83. Assuming that it is d 'esired to move the piston 43 in the direction or the arrow A when the valve 8| is opened, the reversing valve 82 is adjusted to permit fluid pressure to flow through the conduit 84 into the left hand end or the cylinder 42 (as viewed in Figure 11) through the conduit 88. The reversing valve 83, on the other hand, is adjusted to permit fluid under pressure in advance of the piston 43 to exhaust into the passage 86 through the reversing valve 88 to the exhaust passage 81. In the two above mentioned positions of the reversing valves, the port 82' of the valve 82 and the port 83 of the valve 83 are closed. As a resuit, the piston 48 i moved in the direction of the arrow A and the carriage I8 is indexed in the direction of the arrow B.

At the end of each indexing movement of the carriage is in the direction of the arrow B, the valve 8| is moved to connect the passage 81 to the fluid pressure supply line 88 and to connect the passage 84 to the exhaust. As a result, a reversal of the flow of the fluid under pressure in the system is effected and the piston 43 is returned to its retracted position. Movement of the piston 43 to its retracted position causes the tooth 50 on the pawl 48 to engage the next adjacent tooth on the rack bar 5|.

The four-way valve 8| is operated by an electromagnet having a core 8| arid having a coil 82 surrounding the core. The coil 82 is electrically connected in the control circuit in a man ner to be more fully hereinafter set forth, and the core is mechanically connected to the valve plunger of the four-way valve 8| by means of a link 83. The arrangement is such that when the coil 82 is energized, the valve BI is adjusted to open communication between the fluid pressure supply line 80 and the conduit 84. In the above position of the valve, the conduit 81 is connected to the exhaust so as to permit the indexing piston 43 to move in the direction of the arrow A. On the other hand, when the coil 82 is deenergized, the valve plunger is operated by a spring 84 to connect the fluid pressure supply line 80 with the conduit 81 and to connect the conduit 84 to the exhaust. As a result, the piston 43 is returned to its retracted position by fluid pressure.

As previously stated, when the carriage I8 is indexed in the direction of the arrow B to the end of its path of travel, it is necessary to move the same in the opposite direction by a step by step movement. This is accomplished by swinging the pawl 48' to a position wherein the tooth 48 on the pawl cooperates with the teeth 53 on the rack 5| and the operation of the fluid motor is reversed so that the power stroke of the piston is in the direction of the arrow C. In order that the electromagnet 80 will have the same eflect on the valve 8| when indexing the carriage I8 in the opposite direction, the reversing valves 82 and 83 are adjusted so that when the valve 8| is opened by the electromagnet 88.fluid under pressure flows through the valve 82 to the right-hand end of the cylinder 42, as viewed in Figure 11. The fluid under pressure in advance of the piston is exhausted from the left-hand end of the cylinder 42 through the valve 88 to the exhaust passage 81.

The electromagnet 85 for releasing the carriage lock 82 from the rack bar is, of course, operated at the same time as the electromagnet 80 so that the lock will be released when the carriage I8 is indexed. In fact, both the coil 88 of the electromagnet 85 and the coil 82 of the electromagnet 88 are arranged in the same control circuit, designated in Figure 11 by the reference character 85. The control circuit 85 is normally open and is controlled by a limit switch 88 supported on the arm 15 of the welder. Upon reference to Figure 9, it will be noted that the limit switch 86 is closed as the electrode carrying head 14 moves in a direction away from the work. For accomplishing this result, a rod 81 is adjustably secured to the head 14 for movement therewith as a unit and the upper end of the rod abuts a cam 88 pivotally supported on the arm 15 by means of a pivot pin 88. The free end of the cam is adapted to engage one end of a finger I88 pivotally supported intermediate the ends thereof on the arm "and having the opposite end IOI operatively associated with the limit switch 96.

The above construction is such that when the rod 91 is moved upwardly by the electrode carrying head 14, the cam 90 is swung about the pin 99 and, in turn, operates the finger I to close the limitswitch 96. The cam 98 merely trips the finger I00 to close the switch 96 and does not serve to hold the switch closed. As a result, the switch 96 is immediately opened by the spring I02 and, of course, the cam is returned to its initial starting position by the spring I03 when the electrode carrying head 14 is again moved toward the work.

It iollows from the above that the control circuit 95 is merely momentarily closed by the limit switch 96. However, the circuit is closed long enough to energize the electromagnet I04 01 a relay I05 to close a switch I06 arranged in an auxiliary circuit I01 which includes the load coil 92 of the electromagnet 90. As soon as the switch I06 is closed, a latch I08 is moved into engagement with the switch contact arm I09 and holds the switch in its closed position. As a result, the electromagnet 90 is energized to operate the valve 0I and effect an indexing movement of the carriage I3.

It will also be observed from Figure 11 that closing of the control circuit 95 by the switch 96 energizes an electromagnet IIO of a second relay III having a switch II2 arranged in an auxiliary circuit II3 which includes the coil 66 of the electromagnet 65. The movable switch contact arm H4 is latched in switch closing position by means of a latch member I I5. Thus, it will be seen that the electromagnet 65 is energized to release the carriage lock 62 from the rack 5| at the time the valve 8I is operated by the electromagnet 90 to index the carriage.

It will, of c oursgbe' understood that the auxiliary circuits l01"and II3 must be opened to deenergize the electromagnets 65 and 90 to respectively permit the carriage lock 62 to reengage the rack bar SI and to provide for return movement of the pawl 49. For accomplishing the above resuits, an electromagnet I I6 is arranged in a circuit II1 with a limit switch H8. The arrangement is such that when the limit switch I I6 is closed, the electromagnet H6 is energized to release the latch II5 from the relay switch contact arm II4 permitting the latter to move away from its cooperating contact and thereby open the circuit II3. Opening of the circuit II3 deenergizes the the indexing motor 4|.

electro-magnet 65 and permits the carriage lock 62 to drop downwardly into engagement with the rack bar 5|.

The latch I00 is adapted to be released from the relay switch contact member I09 by means of an electromagnet I I9 arranged in an electric circuit'l20 with a limit switch I2 I As a result, closing the limit switch I2I energizes the electromagnet H9 and releases the latch I09 to permit the switch I06 to open the circuit I01. Opening of the circuit I01 deenergizes the electromagnet 90 and permits the spring 94 to operate the valve 0| to move the indexing pawl into registration with the next adjacent tooth on the rack bar 5|.

In the present instance, the limit switch H8 is closed immediately after the start of the indexing movement so that the carriage lock 62 is free to drop into engagement with one of the teeth on the rack bar as soon as the carriage is indexed. The limit switches H8 and I2I are successively operated in timed relationship by a fluid motor I 22 comprising a cylinder I23 and a piston I24 reciprocably mounted in the cylinder. The piston I24 is connected to a slide I25 having a cam portion I26 efiective upon movement of the slide in the direction of the arrow I21 to successively engage the switch operating plungers I20 and I29 spaced from each other along the path of travel of the slide. The switch operating plunger I26 is provided with a pivotally mounted cam I30 responsive to downward movement of the slide I26 to close the limit switch I I9 and'adapted to be returned to its normal position upon upward movement of the slide I28 by a suitable spring III. The switch operating slide I29 is provided with a similar pivotally mounted cam I32 responsive to downward movement of the slide by the cam I26 to close the limit switch I2I and also adapted to be returned to its initial position by means 01 a spring I33. 1

It follows from the above that movement of the slide I25 in the direction oi! the arrow I21 from the position thereof shown in Figure 10 causes the cam I26 to depress the slide I20 a sufficient distance to permit closing of the limitswitch IIO by the cam I30. As stated above, closing the limit switch II6 completes the circuit II1 to the electromagnet H6 and opens the switch II2 to break the circuit I I3. Breaking the circuit II3 deenergizes the electromagnet 65 and permits the carriage lock 62 to move into operative engagement with the rack bar 5|. As the slide I25 continues its movement in the direction 01' the arrow I21, the cam I26 depresses the slide I29 and closes the limit switch I2I by the action of the cam I32. As stated above, closing the switch I2I completes the circuit I20 to the electromagnet I I9 and the switch I06 is released to open the circuit I 01 to the electromagnet 90. The electromagnet operates the valve 6I to move the indexing pawl 48'into engagement with the next adjacent tooth on the pawl 5|.

The piston I2'4 is moved in the direction of the arrow I21 by a fluid under pressure admitted to As shown in Figure 11, a fluid pressure supply line I35 establishes communication between the cylinder I22 and conduit 84. The arrangement is such that regardless of the direction of the power stroke oi. the

piston 43, fluid under pressure is discharged into the cylinder I23 to move the piston. I24 in the direction of the'arrow I21. The piston I24 is returned to its initial starting position by means of a spring I 36 located in the cylinder I23 with the opposite ends respectively engaging the piston I24 and one end wall of the cylinder I23. It follows from the above construction that as soon as the pawl 46 starts movement ofthe carriage through the rack bar 5|, the slide I25 isoperated by the fluid motor I22 and the cam I 2'6 successively operates the limit switches H3 and I2I to respectively deenergize the electromagnets 65 and 90. As stated above, deenergization oi the electromagnet 65 permits the carriage lock 62 to drop into engagement with the rack, and deenergization of the. electromagnet 90 moves the pawl 43 into engagement with the next adjacent tooth on the rack.

In order to simplify handling of the work, provision is made for welding the reinforcing strips I6 to the skin section I5 at spaced points prior to subjecting the work to the automatic indexing mechanism. Operation of the welder to obtain the preliminary welds without eiiecting the indexing mechanism is obtained by opening the switch I40 shown in Figure 11 of the drawings. The carriage I9 is then moved relative to the table I8 by hand to the positions where it is desired to form a preliminary weld. Upon reference to Figure 1, it will be noted that the carriage I9 is located in the several different positions by means of a plurality of brackets I4I secured to one side of the carriage I9 in spaced relation to each other longitudinally of the table. Upon reference to Figures 5 and 6, it will be noted that each bracket has a recess I42 adapted to receive a pin I43 extending laterally from the upper end of a vertical slide I44. The slide I44 is mounted upon the table I8 and may be secured in a lower position out of interference with the brackets I by means of a clamp I45. It will, of course, be understood that the slide I44 is clamped in its lower position when the carriage is automatically indexedby the mechanism previously described.

When making the preliminary welds, the operator merely moves the carriage I9 relative to the table to successively register the slide M4 on the table with the brackets I. When the carriage has been moved to a position wherein the slide I44 registers with one of the brackets I, the clamp I45 is released to permit the pin I43 on the slide to engage in the recess I42 of the bracket. As a result, the carriage is locked in this position and the welder is operated to effect a weld. This procedure is repeated at each bracket I4I so that a plurality of relatively widely spaced welds are obtained to initially secure the reinforcing ribs I6 to the skin section l5. It will, of course, be understood that when the carriage is moved to the end of its path of travel in one direction, the end cradles 25 and 26 are shifted laterally relative to the carriage I9 to align another reinforcing rib attaching flange IT with the welder electrodes. The carriage is then moved in the opposite direction to positions determined by the brackets HI, and the welder is operated in each of said positions. The above procedure is repeated until all of the reinforcing ribs are attached to the skin section I5.

When the preliminary welds are completed, the switch I40 is closed and the carriage I9 is automatically indexed to provide the desired closely spaced welds. In order that the welds obtained during the automatic indexing of the carriage will not overlap the preliminary welds, a plurality of limit switches I46 are secured to the side of the table. One limit switch is positioned on the table opposite each bracket HI and these switches are successively automatically opened by a projection I41 mounted on the carriage I9. The limit switches I46 are shown in Figure 11 as connected in series with the welding circuit 16 so that as each switch is opened by the projection I41, the welding circuit is broken and the welder is rendered inoperative to weld the work. It may be pointed out at this time that the switches I46 may be shunted out of the welding circuit by closing a switch I50 and this switch is closed when making the preliminary welds in order to prevent the operation of the switches I46 from having any effect on the welder.

In Figure 12 of the drawings, I have illustrated a diagram of one type of welder that may be successfully used in connection with the feature previously discussed. As shown in Figure 12, the electrode I3 is moved toward and away from the electrode 12 by means of a fluid motor I5I comprising a cylinder I52 and a piston I53 reciprocably mounted in the cylinder. The piston I53 is connected to the electrode carrying head I4 so that the latter and associated electrode 13 move as a unit with the piston. The lower end of the cylinder I52 communicates with a fluid pressure supply line I54 and the upper end of the cylinder communicates with the fluid pressure supply line I54 through the medium of a passage I55 and a control valve I56. It may be pointed out at this time that the area of the piston I53 exposed to the action of the fluid under pressure discharged into the cylinder I52 by the passage I55 is greater than the area of the piston exposed to the action of the fluid under pressure admitted to the lower end of the cylinder through the passage I54. As a result, when fluid under pressure is admitted to the upper end of the cylinder, the piston I53 is moved downwardly against the action of the fluid pressure in the lower end of the cylinder beneath the piston.

The control valve I56 is moved to its open position shown inFigure 12 by an electromagnet I58 having a coil I59 located in a circuit I60 with a foot operated switch I6I. The arrangement is such that closing the circuit I60 by the switch I6I energizes the coil I59 of the electromagnet I56 to open the control valve I56. It may be pointed out that provision is also made to periodically operate the control valve I56 in timed relation to the operation of the indexing mechanism. This is accomplished by providing an automatic switch I62 in the circuit I60 and this switch is set to close the circuit I60 independently of the switch I6I each time the carriage I9 is indexed.

Movement of either the switches I6I or I62 to their closed positions admits fluid under pressure to the upper end of the cylinder I52 through a metering valve I63 arranged in the passage I55. Asfluid under pressure builds up in the cylinder I52 above the piston I53, the latter is moved downwardly to engage the electrode I3 with the work to be welded. It will be noted from Figure 12 that the passage I55 also communicates with a pair of control valves I64 and I65 for actuating the latter. The valve I64 controls communication between the cylinder I52 and a fluid supply passage I66 which communicates with the fluid pressure supply at a point between" the control valve I56 and the metering valve I63. The valve I65 controls communication between the passage'I66 and the switch I9 in the welding circuit 16. f

The valve I65 is adjusted to open prior to the valve I64 and establishes communication between one side of the switch 19 and fluid pressure supply through the medium of a passage I61 and a metering valve I68. The valves I65 and I68 are adjusted to effect closing of the switch 19 after the electrodes are relatively moved into clamping engagement with the work to be welded.

The valve I64 is adjusted to move to its open position at a predetermined point during the welding period and admits fluid under pressure to the upper end of the cylinder I52 directly from the source of fluid pressure supply. This additional fluid under pressure produces the necessary forging of the work to provide an eifective weld and the valve I64 is adjusted to obtain this forging pressure at the most advantageous point in the welding period.

It will also be observed from Figure 12 that the passage I61 communicates with an accumulating chamber I69 through the medium of a metering valve I10. The accumulating chamber I69 communicates with the opposite end of the switch I9 and serves to open the latter when the Referring again to Figure 12, it will be noted that the control valve I56 is-closed by fluid under pressure from an accumulating chamber I'll which communicateswith the upper end of the cylinder I52 through the medium of a passage 10 I12 and through the medium of a metering valve I13 located in the passage I12. As a result of this construction, the piston of the control valve I56 is moved to a position wherein the fluid pressure supply line is closed and wherein the 15 several instrumentalities of the welder are connectedto the exhaust I14. It may be pointed out that exhausting of the several instrumentalities of the welder is facilitatedby an exhaust valve I15 having an exhaust port I16 adapted 20 to be opened by the fluid under pressure in the upper end of the cylinder I52. It will, of course, be understood that when the upper end of the cylinder I 52 is exhausted, the piston I53 is moved upwardly by the fluid under pressuresupplied to the lower end of the cylinder by the passage I54 and the electrode 13 is retracted from the work. Movement of the electrode 13 in-a direction away from the work closes the limit switch 96 and effects operation ofthe indexing mechanism in the manner previously described.

t Operation The first step in the operation consists in clamping the opposite'ends of a skin section I5 to the cradles 25 and 26 respectively. Thereinforcing ribs l6 are then located on the skin section I6 in their proper position in the above described manner. The opening 31 in the cradle ll on one of the reinforcing ribs I6 is registered with the 'opening 35 in the carriage bracket 33. The pin 38 is then inserted through the register-'- ing openings to eifect a driving connection between the cradle 25 and the carriage I9. opening 39 in the cradle 26 adjacent the opposite end of the same attaching flange I1 is registered with the opening 35 in the carriage bracket 34 and the pin 40 is inserted into the registering openings. one of the reinforcing ribs I6 is positioned on the longitudinal center line of the carriage I9.-

, lWhen the parts to be welded are positioned in the manner set forth above, the carriage I9 is moved manually in one direction on the table I8 rib to the skin section I5. It may be pointed out that during this operation the switch I40 is opened so that the indexing mechanism will be rendered inoperative and, also, the automatic switch I62 for the welder is rendered inoperative.

The above manual operation is repeated at each position until the carriage has been moved to the end of its travel in one direction. When the carriage has reached the end of its travel in one direction, the cradles 25 and 26 are indexed transversely of the carriage I9 to align another attaching flange I! with the longitudinal center line of the carriage, and the latter is moved in The 45 the opposite direction to the positions determined by the brackets I 4|. This operation is repeated until each of the reinforcing ribs are secured in their proper positions on the skin section I5.

' Upon completion of the preliminary welds re-.- i'erred to above, the switch I40 is closed and the switch I62 is rendered operative. As a result, the carriage I3 is automatically indexed to one end cf its path of travel by the cooperation of the pawl 43 with the rack bar 6]. During the intervals of rest of this step by step movement of the carriage, the automatic switch I62 efiects one complete cycle of operation of the welder to produce a weld. When the carriage has been indexed to the end of its travel in one direction, the cradles 25 and 26 are indexed laterally of the carriage to bring another attaching flange H on one of the reinforcing ribs I6 in alignment with the longitudinal center line of the carriage. The pawl 43 is then swung to a position wherein the other tooth 49 cooperates with the rack bar to index the carriage in the reverse direction to the opposite end of its path of travel. The welder is, of course, operated during the intervals of rest of the carriage in the reverse direction to effectively weld the registering rib attaching flange to the skin section I5. It may be pointed-out at this time that in order to avoid repeating the welding operation when one of the preliminary welds registers with the electrodes, the switch I56 is opened during the automatic indexing of the carriage so that the welding circuit may be opened by the operation of either of the limit switches I46. One limit switch I46 is supported on-the table' l8 opposite each of the carriage locating brackets I4I. Thus, as the preliminary welds successively register with the electrodes, during automatic indexing of the carriage, the

. I switches I43 are successively opened to render 25 opposite the end of one of the attaching flanges 40 the welder inoperative.

It will be understood from the foregoing that y laterally indexing the cradles at the end of each, path of travel of the carriage in one direction, each of the attaching flanges on the reinforcing ribs are welded to the skin section I6.

welding reinforcing ribs on aircraft wing sections, it is necessary to locate the welds in close 1 proximity to each other, and I have discovered As a result, one attaching flange on 50 that more satisfactory results can be obtained by spacing the welds from each other approximately twicethe distance of the specified spacing during one complete cycle of operation. For the purpose of explanation, one cycle of operation will b considered complete when the car riage has been automatically indexed in opposite directions to weld each of the attaching flanges H on the reinforcing ribs l6 to the skinsection I5. Thus, in order to obtain the specified number of welds, the above cycle of operation is repeated. However, during the second cycle of operation, the rack bar 6| is longitudinally adjusted relative to the carriage I9 so that the second series of welds will be made intermediate the welds of the first series. Thus, it will be apparent that in the specific embodiment of the invention, two cycles of operation arev necessary to complete the aircraft wing section, although it will be understood that the second cycle may be eliminated by reducing the spacing between adjacent teeth on the rack bar. Also, in some classes of work it may not be necessary to have the welds in such close relationship and, of course, in cases of this type a second cycle of operation is unnecessary.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be welded, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage by a step by step movement, means for moving the electrode into and-out of engagement with the work during the intervals of rest of the carriage, means for locking the carriage in each of the several positions of rest thereof, and means operated by the electrode moving means as the latter moves the electrode away from the work to release the locking means and operate the indexing means.

2. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be welded, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage relative to the welder by a step by step movement including a cylinder and a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder, means.

for locking the carriage in each of the several positions of rest of the carriage, means for moving the electrode into and out of engagement with the work during the intervals of rest of the carriage, a valve controlling the flow of fluid under pressure to the cylinder for actuating the piston to index th carriage, and means operated by the electrode moving means as the electrode is moved in a direction away from the work to release said locking means and to open the valve to admit fluid under pressure to the indexing cylinder.

3. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be welded, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the work, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage by a step by step movement including a cylinder and a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder, a valve controlling the flow of fluid under pressure to the cylinder, an electromagnet for operating the valve and connected in an electric circuit, a 1ocking device for holding the carriage in each of the several positions or rest thereof, an electromagnet for releasing the locking device and arranged in an electric circuit, means operable during the intervals of rest of the carriage to move the electrode into and out of engagement with the work, and means responsive to movement of the electrode in a direction away from the work to close the circuit to the electromagnet r associated with the locking device for releasing the latter and to close the circuit to the electromagnet associated with the valve for actuating the latter to admit fluid under pressure to the indexing cylinder.

4. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the I work to be welded, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage by a step by step movement including a rack bar mounted on the carriage and having a series of teeth, an indexing pawl coacting with the rack bar to successively move the carriage in opposite directions by a step by step movement, means for moving the electrode into and out of engagement with the work during the intervals of rest of the carriage in both directions of movement of the latter, means operable in timed relation to movement of the electrode into engagement with the work to weld the latter, and means for adjusting the rack bar relative to the carriage to enable offsetting the welds obtained during movement of the carriage in one direction relative to the welds obtained during movement of the carriag in the other direction movable into and out of engagement with the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for mov ing the carriage by a step by step movement including a rack bar mounted on the carriag and having teeth, a pawl movable in opposite directions to successively engage adjacent teeth on the rack bar and advance the carriage by a step by step movement, a fluid pressure operated motor including a cylinder and a double acting piston connected to the pawl for operating the latter, a valve alternately connecting opposite ends of the cylinder to a source of fluid under pressure and to an exhaust outlet, an electromagnet for operating the valve and arranged in an electric circuit, means operable during the intervals of rest of the carriage to move the electrode into and out of engagement with the work, means responsive to movement of the electrode in a direction away from the work to close the circuit to the electromagnet and effect operation of the valve to move the pawl in a direction to advance the carriage, and means responsive to movement of the carriage by the pawl to open the circuit to the electromagnet and operate the valve to effect movement of the pawl in the opposite direction to engage the next adjacent tooth on said rack.

6. In welding apparatus, a carriage adapted to support parts which have previously been welded at spaced points, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the parts to be welded and arranged in an electric circuit, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage relative to the welder by a step by step movement, means operable during the intervals of rest of the carriage for moving the electrode into and out of engagement with the parts on the carriage to produce additional welds, and means for opening the welding circuit each time the carriage is indexed to a position wherein one of the previous welds registers with the electrode.

7. In welding apparatus, a carriage adapted to support parts which have previously been welded together at spaced points, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the parts to be welded and arranged in an electric circuit, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage relative to the welder by a step by step movement, means for moving the electrode into and out of engagement with the parts to be Welded during the intervals of rest of the carriage, means for closing the electrode circuit in timed relation to movement of the electrode into engagement with the parts to be welded to produce additional welds and for opening said circuit prior to movement of th electrode out of engagement with said parts, a plurality of limit switches arranged in series in the electrode circuit and supported to one side of the path of travel of the parts to be welded in positions opposite the said previous welds, and means for successively opening the limit switches to' render the electrode inoperative to weld the parts when the previous welds register with the electrode.

8. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be welded, a welder having an electrode mov-- able into and out of engagement with the work, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage by a step by step movement including a cylinder and a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder, a valve having an adjustable member movable in opposite directions to alternately connect opposite ends of the cylinder to a source of fluid under pressure and to an exhaust, an electromagnet connected in an electric circuit for operating the valve member to effect movement of the piston in a direction to advance the carriage, means for moving the electrode into and out of engagement with the work during the intervals of rest of the carriage, means responsive to movement of the electrode in a direction away from the work to close the. circuit'to the electromagnet and effect movement of the piston in the cylinder in a direction to advance the carriage, and means responsive to movement of the carriage to break the circuit to the electromagnet and permit operation of the valve member to retract the piston in the cylinder.

9. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be welded, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the work, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage by a step by step movement including a cylinder and a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder, a valve alternatively connecting opposite. ends of the cylinder to a source of fiuidunder pressure and to an exhaust, an electromagnet for operating the valve and connected in an electric circuit, a locking device for holding the carriage in each of the several positions of rest thereof, an electromagnet for releasing the locking device and arranged in an electric circuit, means for moving the electrode into and out of engagement with the work during the intervals of rest of th carriage, means responsive to movement of the electrode in a direction away from the work to close the circuit to the electromagnet associated with the locking device for releasing the latter and to close the circuit to the electromagnet associated with the valve for actuating the latter to effect movement of the piston in the cylinder in a direction to advance the carriage, and means responsive to movement of the carriage for successively opening the circuit to the electromagnet associated with the locking device and to open the circuit to the electromagnet associated with the valve permitting operation of the latter to effect return movement of the piston in said cylinder.

10. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage in one direction by a step by step movement and for moving the carriage in the opposite direction by a step by step movement, said indexing mechanism including a rack bar mounted on the carriage and extending in the direction of movement of the latter, an indexing pawl rockably mounted adjacent the rack and having spaced teeth alternately engageable with the rack upon rocking the pawl in opposite directions, means for moving the pawl relative tothe rack'bar to move the carriage by a step by step movement in one or the otheroi the directions or movement aforesaid of the car riage depending upon which of the teeth on the pawl is engaged with the rack bar, means for welding the work during intervals of rest of the carriage in each direction of movement of the carriage, and means supporting the rack bar for shifting movement longitudinally of the carriage and relative to the indexing pawl to enable of!- setting the welds obtained during movement of the carriage inthe said opposite direction with respect to the welds obtained during movement or the carriage in the first named direction.

11. In welding apparatus, a carriage ,ior the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage in one direction by a step by step movement and for moving the carriage in the opposite direction by a. step by step movement, means for welding the work during intervals of rest of the carriage in each direction of movement of the carriage, and means for adjusting the indexing mechanism at the end of the indexing movement of the carriage in one direction to register with said welding means zones on the work intermediate the welds previously obtained during movement of the carriage in the said one direction as the carriage is indexed in the opposite direction to thereby provide a row of closely spaced welds.

12. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage step by step, said indexing mechanism including rack teeth on the carriage, an indexing pawl cooperating with the rack teeth on the carriage to move the latter a predetermined distance in one direction step by step and to subsequently move the carriage in the opposite direction step by step, means operable during the intervals of .rest oi; the carriage in both directions of movement thereof to weld the work on the carriage, and means for relatively adjusting the rack teeth and pawl at the end of theindex- ,ing movement of the carriage in one direction to register with the welding means zones on the work intermediate the welds previously obtained during movement of the carriage in said one direction as the carriage is indexed in the opposite direction to thereby provide a row of closely spaced welds.

13. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be .welded, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage step by step including rack teeth on the carriage, a pawl movable in opposite directions relative to the rack teeth to successively engage adjacent teeth and advance the carriage by a step by step movement, means for moving the electrode into and out or engagement with the work during the intervals of rest of the carriage, means operated by the electrode moving means as the latter moves the electrode in a direction away from the work to move the pawl in a direction to advance the carriage, and means responsive to movement of the carriage by the pawl to efiect a movement of the pawl in the opposite direction to engage the next adjacent tooth on the carriage,

M. In welding apparatus, a carriage for the work to be welded, a welder having an electrode movable into and out of engagement with the work to be welded, indexing mechanism for moving the carriage step by step including rack teeth on the carriage, a pawl movable in opposite directions to successively engage adjacent teeth on the carriage and advance the latter by a step by step movement, fluid pressure operated means for moving the pawl in opposite directions, means for moving the electrode into and out of engagement with the work during the intervals of rest of the carriage, a valve for controlling the fluid pressure operated means and responsive to movement of the electrode in a direction away from the work to effect movement of the pawl in a direction to advance-the carriage, and means controlled by said valve for operating the latter in timed relation to the advancing movement of the carriage to eifect a movement of the pawl in the opposite direction to engage the same with the next adjacent tooth on the rack.

HENRY THOMAS PLATZ. 

